Hoover QB Alone as Top Area Prospect

It isn't expected to be a banner year for college football prospects in the Glendale area, but the 1985 prep football season should give college scouts someone to think about, according to Dick Lascola, director of the Fallbrook-based Scouting Evaluation Assn.

While other Glendale-area athletes may perform well enough to earn notice, only Hoover quarterback John Alaimo is considered by Lascola to be a college prospect entering the season.

The area may not have true blue chippers, but there are a few solid athletes spread among the area's 12 CIF and City teams. La Canada punter Rob Myers and Franklin offensive lineman Rene Williams head the list of additional players to watch in 1985.

But Alaimo stands alone in Lascola's list of college prospects.

'Definite Prospect'

"He's a good athlete," said Lascola. "He's got some of the tools to play college football. He's agile and runs fairly well. He's a definite prospect."

As a junior last year, Alaimo (6-2, 175) passed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns to lead Hoover to a 5-5-1 record and CIF playoff spot. Alaimo also had 10 interceptions as a defensive back and was placed on the All-Pacific League offensive and defensive squads.

But Hoover Coach Fred Cuccia said Alaimo's major asset is his running ability. In 1984, Alaimo rushed for 528 yards in Hoover's option-oriented offense.

"He's definitely a major college football player," said Cuccia. Auburn, Alabama, Washington and USC are just some of the schools that Cuccia said have expressed interest in Alaimo, who also plays basketball and baseball.

Punting Prospect

Another who may gain attention from scouts is La Canada's Myers, the area's top punter last year. The 6-1, 210-pound Myers averaged 44.6 yards on 35 punts in 1984 and rushed for 780 yards as a fullback.

Although Lascola did not mention Myers as a blue chipper because he does not scout kickers, La Canada Coach Steve Silberman thinks the senior is a premier player.

"He's just coming into his own as a punter and ball carrier," said Silberman. "He's a prospect because he can do so much for a team. He can fill so many roles."

During the off-season, Myers worked with Cincinnati Bengals punter Pat McInally to improve his kicking. This summer he has booted punts more than 50 yards, Silberman said.

"His legs are so strong and quick that when he gets power into the ball, it takes off," said Silberman.

A Solid 285 Pounds

As far as big offensive linemen, few are bigger than Franklin's Williams. At 6-5, 285 pounds, Williams' size alone interests college scouts.

This summer, Franklin Coach Rich Gamboa has had the 17-year-old Williams, an All-City and All-Freeway League player in 1984, working with weights to build strength in his upper body.

"He's tremendously solid for being that big and that young," said Gamboa.

There is no doubt about Williams' size. But there is some concern over his academic record, Gamboa said. Williams was academically ineligible his sophomore year.

"If he gets the grades, he could pick any college he wants to go to," said Gamboa.